Vilvite, bringing science to the shopping mall

Proposition, design and visual identity for discovery place in shopping mall

Location

Bergen, Norway

Objective

To built a shopping centre in a city is quite common. To build a city around a shopping centre is more unusual. This is actually what happened in Sotra Kystby, one of the most western points of Norway. But it wanted to be more than just a shopping mall. NorthernLight was challenged to develop a proposition to turn the centre into the beating heart of this once isolated fishing community, now home to the high tech sub sea industry.

Approach

Many shops in Europe are struggling due to the increased competition from online shopping. One way to fight back is to leverage the biggest advantage that brick and mortar shops and shopping malls have: a physical location. Through co-creation sessions with representatives of the local industry, schools and museums NorthernLight collected valuable insights that were used for the design and authentic stories that are told in the centre. When consumers visit a shopping mall, they were looking for an experience that goes beyond buying products. They look for a place to socialize, have fun and enjoy themselves. With this in mind NorthernLight proposed to make an island discovery centre that serves as a local community gathering and family learning venue. It a place for everybody to relax, have quality family time and get connected to place through exploration and experimentation

Facts and Figures

Sotra Vitensenter AS is a great example of an innovative way to increase the attraction value of shopping malls, increase revenues and to emphasize the social character that shopping malls have.